236. Gratitude or Happiness: Which Comes First? (Refreshed Episode)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s episode is all about the brainy benefits of gratitude. At the end of the year, I always like to do episodes about reciprocity, gratefulness, happiness, and planning…and this year is no different. One thing that</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">is</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">new this year, is that we have two episodes a week including our Tuesday refreshes so this episode from November 2019 on the brainy benefits of gratitude gets another day in the sun.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I really enjoy this episode as it looks at the difference between happiness and gratitude and how they might not work the way we think they should (which you will of course learn all about in the episode today). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s something to think about as we start the episode: Do you have to get what you want to be happy? Is synthesized (or manufactured) happiness the same as natural happiness? What is best for your overall psyche and those around you? Keep that in mind as you listen, and share your thoughts with me on social media!</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Show Notes:</span></h3> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:39] Today’s episode is all about the brainy benefits of gratitude.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[01:55] Gratefulness and reciprocity have an important thing in common, a tie that can bond them together which is a feeling of happiness and joy. Doing things for others or giving things away can make you feel happier. </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[04:09] Our brains systematically misjudge what will make us happy. </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[05:36] Dan Gilbert tells about how people don’t know what will make them happy. One of the most important things the human brain does is allow to synthesize the future, imagine what is to come, and predict how we should act for the best possible outcome. </span></li> <li><span s